About the Woodland Memorial Garden

Established in 2023 with the support of our students, staff, The SU, alumni and the University Chaplain, the garden offers a dedicated space for quiet reflection. It is a place to sit and remember family, friends or colleagues and loved ones we have lost, and acknowledge the contribution they made to our lives.

Commissioning the Mural

In January, we commissioned Bristol-based artist, Cai Burton of Joyful Design, to create a mural for the wooden wall marking the entrance to the garden. Cai was asked to reflect the natural landscape, incorporating local beech, ash, and oak trees, memorial stones, and seasonal flowers.

After visiting the site and consulting, Cai developed mock up design ideas which were then shared with The SU, the Advancement Office, our student Bereavement Social Group and staff Loss and Grief Network and Young Loss Group. The final design was chosen and refined before painting took place in June.

Final Design

The completed mural blends seamlessly into its surroundings, incorporating elements of campus wildlife, native trees and flowers. It captures themes of reflection and remembrance and includes wording that pays tribute to the lives and contributions of those we have lost – whether students, staff, alumni or loved ones.

All members of our community are warmly invited to visit the artwork and spend some time in the beautiful space.

Hear from those involved

Cai Burton (the artist):

Reflective corners like this are so important for everyone - whether you are remembering a loved one or stopping to take in your surroundings. Creating this piece was an opportunity to help this space for reflection to feel alive and bursting with quiet life. There was already so much to be inspired by, and I hope that my mural helps to create a welcoming and peaceful space. It was a joy to work with the staff at University of Bath, to listen to insight from the views from consultation groups, talk to people as I was painting, and just enjoy the tranquillity from working in that space

Nigel Rawlinson – University Chaplain:

It is fantastic to see this mural as the conclusion of the setting up of the Woodland Memorial Garden. The site was chosen as a safe place, free from future building, that is within our university community and yet functionally separate. The sleeper wall provides privacy, the seating directs our gaze to the beauty of nature, and both enable reflection and memories. The wording of the mural, together with its inspiring and yet gentle design, forms the perfect backdrop for individual and community reflection. There is also room for mystery, and the acknowledgement of a loving creator at the start of all things.